Boko Haram Launches Late-Night Assault on Maiduguri Outskirts as Troops Engage Militants

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria — Boko Haram insurgents launched a late-night attack on the outskirts of Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, late on Sunday, March 15, 2026, prompting an immediate response from Nigerian military forces stationed in the region. The clash marks another escalation in the ongoing conflict that has plagued northeastern Nigeria for over a decade.

According to local security sources, the insurgents attacked several villages surrounding Maiduguri, targeting both civilian settlements and military outposts. Nigerian troops engaged the militants in intense firefights, employing artillery and ground patrols to repel the assault.

Witnesses reported hearing gunfire and explosions throughout the night. Several homes and structures were damaged during the attacks, though officials have not yet released a complete casualty count for civilians or soldiers. Emergency response teams are currently assessing the situation and providing aid to affected communities.

The Nigerian Army confirmed in a statement that its troops successfully contained the attack, preventing Boko Haram from advancing toward the city. Forces remain on high alert in the region, conducting patrols to ensure the safety of civilians and to track any retreating insurgents.

Analysts say Boko Haram continues to carry out night raids and guerrilla-style attacks in Borno State despite ongoing counterinsurgency operations. These attacks aim to destabilize local communities and challenge the Nigerian government’s control in the region.

Residents of Maiduguri expressed heightened fear as the city once again found itself under threat. Schools and markets in surrounding areas reportedly remained closed on Monday as a precautionary measure, and local authorities urged citizens to remain vigilant.

The Nigerian government has pledged to intensify its military operations against Boko Haram, with a focus on securing towns and villages near Maiduguri and dismantling the insurgents’ networks. Humanitarian agencies are also mobilizing resources to assist displaced residents.

This latest assault underscores the continued security challenges in northeastern Nigeria, where Boko Haram and its splinter groups remain active despite years of military campaigns aimed at eradicating the insurgency.